Jerry J. May

Jerry John May , age 83 of Sioux Falls, S.D. passed away on December 17, 2024 at Ava’s House from Kidney Disease.

** Updated Service Information***A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 pm Thursday June 19, 2025 at the El Riad Shrine Mosque, 510 S. Phillips Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D.  

Jerry, the son of John and Ferne (Hansen) May was born on January 22, 1941 in Sioux Falls, S.D.  Jerry was a proud graduate of Washington High School, class of 1958.

After high school, Jerry went to the Minneapolis School of Business for Court Reporting.  Early in Jerry’s career, he worked with Judge Francis Dunn in Circuit Court.  He then went on to establish his own court reporting business, AAA May Reporting, and started Stenotype Institute.  He retired from court reporting in the Federal Courts where he worked with Judge Larry Piersol.

Jerry was proudly involved in many facets of the El Riad Shrine organization.  He was also an avid hunter and sportsman

Jerry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Karen (Crowl) May.  His two daughters, Janelle Jamtgaard and Cynthia (Ric) Rohde, grandsons Seth (Lindsey) Rohde, Evan (Jordan) Rohde, and his 4 great granddaughters, his brother Jim (Janet) May and family, sister Jacqueline May and family, and special family friend Joe Bernhard.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jennifer Lane.

As his family, we know Jerry would love to share a farewell drink with his family and friends.  In the words of his favorite movie, McLintock, “No more whiskey, we go home!!”  We salute and say good-by to a wonderful and generous human being.